Water and Sewer Systems

The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion operates a filtration plant and several wells to provide drinking water to its citizens. It also manages wastewater treatment works in the sectors served by the municipal sewage system.

Drinking water

Drinking water is supplied by the filtration plant, which draws its raw water from the Ottawa River. The filtration plant also serves the neighbouring municipalities of Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac and L’Île-Cadieux. Its capacity increased from 18,000 to 40,000 cubic metres of water per day after a second water intake was added and a plant upgrade and expansion project was carried out between 2012 and 2016.

Dorion is supplied by two pumping stations with a total of seven wells. The groundwater undergoes the following processes: disinfection, softening (colour and corrosion inhibitor), distribution to consumers and storage in the water tower near Place Dumont.

Drinking water distribution system

Wells

Harwood, Hudson-Acres, Ritchie and Domaine-en-Haut are supplied from wells. At present, Hudson-Acres, Ritchie and Domaine-en-Haut are under a permanent Boil Water advisory. To correct this situation, there are plans to connect these sectors to the distribution system supplied from the filtration plant.

The Murphy sector gets its drinking water from the system in the municipality of Hudson, while the Haute-Rive Summerlea sector is supplied from Pointe-des-Cascades.

Boil Water advisory

Boil Water advisories are aimed at protecting public health. They may be issued as a precaution, for example if there is a risk of contamination following repairs to a water main, or if tests on raw water (before treatment) show levels exceeding the guidelines. The municipality is then required by law to issue an advisory, even if the test results were for untreated water.

When water is boiled for a minute or more, all potentially harmful micro-organisms are killed.

If water is not fit for drinking even after boiling, a Do Not Use advisory will be issued and the City will take special measures to ensure that the public is informed.

How does the City inform citizens of a Boil Water advisory?

If the advisory targets a small area, such as a few streets affected by a broken water main, the Public Works Department will hang a notice on the door of each home. If a large part of the city is affected, various means are used to inform the public:

Water main flushing

Each year—usually in April and May—the City flushes the water mains and inspects the fire hydrants. This work is done at night, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. To flush out sediment and mineral build-up, the valves are opened, allowing the flow of large quantities of water which are discharged through the fire hydrants. The flushing is done through predetermined routes that ensure optimum cleaning.

Because it is a large-scale operation, it can cause a slight drop in water pressure; it may also cause the water to be rust-coloured, which can lead to certain inconveniences such as stains on fabrics. Clothing and dishes should therefore be washed between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays or at any time on weekends. If your water looks rusty, turn on the cold water in your bathtub and let it run until it is clear.

Wastewater

The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion has its own wastewater treatment plant consisting of three units: liquid treatment, sludge processing and odour control. The plant has a capacity of 36,550 cubic metres per day and its main pumping station can handle 50,000 cubic metres per day.

Foul air from the new facilities is sent to the BIOREM odour control system (ventilation of basins and rooms, air humidification, biofilter media, exhaust duct).

The air in certain rooms is treated by activated-charcoal filter units.

Septic systems

A septic system, which consists of a tank and septic field located on your property, treats wastewater and releases it into the groundwater. The water is cleaned through natural decomposition processes.

The septic field has a limited lifespan that depends on the quantity of wastewater treated, soil type, and frequency of tank maintenance and pumping. Proper maintenance will prolong the system's service life.

The discharge and treatment of wastewater from isolated homes is governed by a 1981 provincial regulation which each municipality is responsible for enforcing. Pollution by septic systems is of course strictly prohibited. Any system that is outdated must be replaced. If your property has a septic system, be sure to empty the tank every two years. Keep your receipt and send a copy to the City as proof of maintenance.

If the grass over the septic field is very green or spongy, if there is an odour, if a grey or black liquid appears at the surface or if wastewater is not discharging well, it could mean your septic system is not working properly. A septic tank that has not had proper maintenance can cause serious problems: contamination of drinking water, sewage backups, impacts on your health and the environment, and decreased property value. The proper functioning of your septic system is your responsibility.